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I recently realised, much to my shock and (somewhat vain) horror, that yes, I am getting older. It’s just so strange how it suddenly sneaks up on you.
First you spot those fine lines, then bags under your eyes and it just gets worse from there on out. Unfortunately, your skin is just not what it used to be in your 20s.
But my mom always taught me that prevention is key. So, I was using day cream (Oil of Olay at the time, now Olay) even before I had gotten my first period. Skin care should start early, and the same counts for anti-ageing treatments, serums, etc.
Making an investment in your skin is so important and should start by the time you enter your late 20s. Think of it this way, if you invest in your skin’s quality and hydration now, you will end up spending less on make-up products like foundation in the future.
A healthy glow is priceless and speaks for itself.
Here are some fabulous products and treatments currently on our radar that fight ageing:
1. Génifique from Lancôme Paris
It claims to be a “serum so powerful it creates more radiant and smoother skin you can see and feel.” Did it deliver? Anything that promises to arrest the ageing process is worth a try in my book. My skin did feel firmer and dewier the next morning, and it looked more hydrated too. It glides on smoothly and is absorbed quickly. Also, a little goes a long way. I broke out a bit for the first couple of days – but hey, that can make you feel younger too…
Best thing about it: The bottle. It’s classy and pretty and the self-loading dropper is awesome.
Worst thing about it: The price. At around R2 000 it’s quite a commitment. - Nicola Whitfield
2. Clarins Super Restorative Remodelling Serum
With a skin that’s over the age of 50, any chance to reduce the appearance of spots and wrinkles is a treat. As with other Clarins products I’ve tried before, the Super Restorative Remodelling Serum immediately feels soft and comforting on the skin. I like the pump bottle as it delivers a small amount, which is really all you need of this serum to give your whole face and neck a dose. It’s not at all greasy, but still feels like my skin is soaking it up like a tasty treat. It seems to provide relief from the irritation and dryness I sometimes suffer from. Does it give my face a “lifted” and” remodelled” appearance? I don’t think it really does, or if so, it’s not to a noticeable degree. Instead it makes my skin look better, fresher and of an overall more even complexion. That’s good enough for me! – Adele Hamilton
3. Nip+Fab Frown Fix Instant Line Filler (now at Clicks)
For someone who suffers from chronic frown face (yes, it's a thing), this product instantly caught my eye. A concentrated formula designed to plump and smooth the appearance of expression lines, fine lines and wrinkles, I must say I was truly impressed by this little clicker. Click the "pen" 3 times and apply to eye area, mouth and frown lines. I've used it every night for about 3 weeks now and the lines are falling off my face (or so I wish to believe). - Marisa Crous
4. Exceptional Ultime (Anti-Aging) facial at Suntra Spa (ideal for mature skin)
When it comes to facials, this is the Cadillac. This manual facelift, using revolutionary anti-ageing products by French beauty house, Thalgo, is an investment of note.
Most spa treatments tend to start with a ritual. For this one, the therapist starts by gently rubbing your ears with a towel - creating the effect of being inside a wave. Imagine holding a conch shell up to your ear.
A deep cleanse and scrub prepares the skin for the Ultimate Energilift Massage. Experiencing my first-ever deep facial massage was rather unusual, but surprisingly stimulating and invigorating. The technique is used to target and tighten individual facial muscles, that visibly lifts the entire face and replumps and renews aging skin. This unique massage helps to stretch and ‘work out’ the facial muscles around the eyes, lips, face and décolleté to revive their original tone.
Then comes the refreshment that is toning. I found this part incredibly relaxing. The products smell so incredibly divine, that immersing myself in spa heaven was not difficult at all.
The massage is combined with the Thalgo Ultimate Time Solution Serum and Ultimate Time Solution Massage Cream, which contain powerful active ingredients to reshape facial contours. The Ultimate Time Solution Mask (which contains algae) is then applied and left on for 20 minutes infusing the skin with Marine Bio-Cellulose.
The treatment is completed with an application of Ultimate Time Solution Cream and Ultimate Time Solution serum for eyes and lips.
Afterwards my skin looked visibly more plump and was left silky smooth. A week later and I am still glowing. It's truly a glorious experience.
For more info, contact Suntra Spa.
5. Deluxe Babor Facials at Amani Spa
So firstly, Amani Spa is one of those places I always love visiting. With friendly and super helpful staff and beautiful facilities, this is truly a consistent, comfortable and luxe spa.
I have been hooked on Babor products ever since trying the Babor Reversive concentrate and Hy-Ol earlier this year. Their products work and it's definitely worth investing in. So naturally, I found the Deluxe Babor Facial enticing.
Mandy, my extremely knowledgeable facialist started with an assessment of my skin, looking at my skin's unique qualities and concerns. This was just sublime as one product range simply does not necessarily suit everyone. It's wonderful to have a facial that has been tailor-made for you, your skin type and concerns.
My main skin concern: bad circulation. For this, exfoliation 3 times a week is key, says Mandy. And yes, I have been slacking, making exfoliating once a week at most, so this made perfect sense. She's good, I thought, real good...
So, she opted for using Babor Advanced Biogen products to address my skin concerns. Known for adding radiance, regeneration and revitalization, this range is very effective for treating tired and stressed skin. And since I listed my stress level at a 7 out of 10, this was the perfect match.
The facial is truly a deluxe experience, you feel pampered, treated and renewed. At times the facial is gentle and then again firm and intense. It not only injects the skin with moisture and allows the lifting of the skin by means of regeneration with anti-oxidant properties, but it completely refreshes the skin.
A wise option for those wanting fresh-as-a-spring-day skin.
For more details, contact Amani Spa.
